subject: Get cash for your story [print this page] Get cash for your story Get cash for your story
Has something amazing happened to you? Could you inspire people to make a lifestyle change? Maybe you want to kiss and tell, reveal a political scandal or share information about a celebrity? Whatever your story, it is likely that the press will be interested.
If you're not sure where to start, you should contact a reputable news agency. They will know roughly what your story is worth from the outset, because they have experience in the field. They will also have access to a range of media contacts in TV and print, so they will know where to get the best fee.
In the past, stories have been sold to the press for as much as 40,000, so it is always worth speaking to a news agency. They will be able to get you the best possible price and won't charge you for their services either; they are usually paid by the publication, so you don't need to worry about sharing your fee.
If you have photos, video or other evidence to back your story up, it is likely that your story will be worth more. By the same token, if you choose to remain anonymous your fee is likely to be smaller, because the press will not be able to quote you directly.
Get the best fee
Once you have agreed to selling your story in principle, the agency will negotiate with the press and TV companies to get you a good price. If the subject of your story is popular, you might even get multiple offers. Once you are happy, the news agency will arrange for contracts to be sent to you by the interested parties. These will contain legal details about the deals, including payment arrangements.
When you have signed these documents and sent them back, a professional reporter will contact you. They will ask for precise details about the story and take some quotes before writing the article. The reporter will read it back to you when it is finished, so you can check the facts and make any corrections. It will then be sent to the relevant publications for print.
And that's all it takes - you will be paid shortly after publication. If you want to sell your story to the press, get in touch with a news agency now.
